Description
Martyn, the Dutch producer and DJ known for his innovative approach to electronic music, unveils a distinctive evolution in his artistic trajectory with the release of “Music For Existing,” a full-length album issued through his own 3024 label. Departing from the dancefloor-centric style that marked his earlier works, this 2×LP vinyl project delves deeply into a fusion of electronic textures and jazz sensibilities. The album navigates a contemplative soundscape enriched by collaborations with contemporary jazz musicians Mischa Porte and Cess Bruinsma, as well as the evocative spoken word contributions of Musa Okwonga, blending genre boundaries with refined subtlety and experimental depth.
This latest release follows Martyn’s previous explorations in electronic subgenres such as dubstep and techno, highlighting a nuanced shift toward more ambient and jazz-inflected compositions. The presence of tracks like “Phantom Jazz” and “Musa at Erbil” underscores a conceptual ambition to merge improvisational elements with modern production techniques. The spoken word segment layered over a sonic collage in “Musa at Erbil” exemplifies this approach, offering a contemplative interlude that resonates with the atmospheric tension reminiscent of radio shows like Martyn’s “Darkest Light” on NTS. Such a melding evokes affinities with artists like Floating Points or Kamasi Washington, where jazz and electronic music intersect organically in a contemporary framework.
“Music For Existing” showcases Martyn’s capacity to integrate rich musical textures within a cohesive narrative that balances rhythm, melody, and mood. Collaborations with artists like Duval Timothy and Lucinda Chua contribute to a dynamic interplay between instrumental and electronic elements, inviting listeners into an immersive sound world. The album’s production reflects an intricate layering of downtempo grooves and subtle jazz improvisations, situating the work in a space that may appeal to enthusiasts of the more experimental shores of electronic music, akin to the atmospheres cultivated by Floating Points and Bonobo. The 3024 label, known for championing forward-thinking electronic sounds, provides a fitting platform for this genre-blurring project.
As a vinyl release, “Music For Existing” will attract collectors and audiophiles who value the tactile and immersive qualities of LP formats, reinforcing Martyn’s reputation within independent label circuits as an artist committed to both aesthetic and sonic excellence. The physical edition’s presentation complements the album’s layered complexity, offering a tangible connection to a work that explores temporal and spatial consciousness through sound. Listeners familiar with Martyn’s earlier records, such as “Ghost People,” will note the significant artistic growth reflected in this new album’s jazz-infused identity and experimental textures.
The album’s eight tracks present a rich, varied palette ranging from energetic compositions like “Heavy Sound” to the introspective and texturally rich “When The Sleeper Wakes.” These pieces evoke a broad spectrum of influences that fold into the album’s narrative, positioning Martyn within a lineage of electronic musicians who have ventured into jazz territories, such as Four Tet or Nicolas Jaar. This release reaffirms Martyn’s role as a versatile figure in modern electronic music, continually expanding the sonic possibilities of his craft in dialogue with contemporary jazz and spoken word artistry.
By foregrounding collaborations with prominent contemporary musicians and emphasizing a sophisticated blend of jazz and electronic elements, “Music For Existing” stands as a significant milestone in Martyn’s discography. The album’s exploration of sound as a medium for reflection and expression offers a compelling listening experience that will resonate with a diverse audience, from followers of underground electronic music to those drawn to the boundaries where jazz intersects with modern production. As such, the record contributes meaningfully to ongoing conversations about genre fluidity and the evolution of independent electronic music in the 2020s.
